What global warming might mean for Washington

GEORGE — From this spot in the geographic center of Washington, you can see many of the major potential effects of global warming.

Down below, the Columbia River collects most of the water from Eastern Washington and carries it toward the Pacific Ocean, blocked periodically by giant dams that generate much of the electricity that powers cities and suburbs from Spokane to Puget Sound. The surrounding countryside is arid and sun-baked, devoid of color except where fields are irrigated to produce the region’s renowned fruits and wines.

In the distance, the snowcapped peaks of the Cascade Range are a reminder that much of the fresh water in the Evergreen State falls as snow in the winter and then is captured as it melts off during the dry summers. That snow also fuels the region’s robust tourist economy, carrying skiers and snowboarders in winter, and feeding the state’s rushing rivers in spring and summer as they draw rafters, kayakers and fishermen.

How would global warming affect this complex system?

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

Experts predict average temperatures in Washington could rise by 5 degrees over the next seven decades. That will likely mean bigger wildfires, more coastal flooding and more extreme weather.

Already, 53 glaciers have disappeared from the North Cascades since 1959. The average winter snowpack at six stations in the North Cascades on April 1 has declined 26 percent over the last 60 years.

But hey, it’s not the end of the state.

“We don’t need to be panicking,” said Lara Whitely Binder, of the University of Washington’s Climate Impacts Group. “But we do need to be smart about what we do with information and prepare the region for it.”

Lots of people in Washington are studying and preparing for global warming. The consensus emerging so far is that, while the impacts will be significant, they are not of disaster movie proportions.

The most significant change is likely to be less winter snowpack in the mountains, which leads to less spring runoff, which leads to less water in hot summer months. This will produce a cascading effect of consequences for humans, animals and plants: Drier forests, bigger wildfires, fewer fish, different crops and different industries.

Along coastlines, higher sea levels could swamp some low-lying areas in places such as Olympia, the state capital, although most of the state’s population centers are on higher ground.

Washington’s diverse climate from rainforest to desert is a plus, Whitely Binder said. So is the state’s diverse economy, which is not dependent on one sector that could be wiped out, she added.

“It’s safe to say that virtually every aspect of the state’s economy will be affected by climate change,” said Bob Doppelt, director of the Climate Leadership Initiative at the University of Oregon.

Here’s an overview of predicted effects of climate change in Washington:

Dry land around Willapa Bay and the mouth of the Columbia River could be lost, along with extensive areas of tidal flats and beaches.

Up to 75 percent of the glaciers in the northern Cascade Range could disappear by the end of the century.

Rising temperatures could aggravate respiratory problems in people, and create different molds and diseases.

There could be harsher weather, including wind storms, heat waves, droughts, heavy rain and dust storms. That would lead to more floods and landslides.

Agriculture could shift, with some areas losing and others winning. For example: Wine grapes in Eastern Washington could be hurt by rising temperatures, but parts of Western Washington could become suitable for vineyards.

The state’s $13 billion tourism and recreation industry would likely take a hit. Hiking trails could be damaged by weather, ski areas could see less snow, and white-water rivers would run lower and slower.

Salmon and trout populations, which depend on clean, cold water, would be hurt by lower and warmer rivers, leaving fewer fish for sport, commercial and tribal fishermen.

Diminished snowpack would severely cut the production of hydropower, source of about half the region’s electricity. In a warmer Washington, winter snow would fall as rain and rush down river instead of piling up to provide power in spring and summer. Higher power rates could hurt industries that depend on cheap electricity.

Acreage burned by wildfires could double by 2040, significantly raising firefighting costs.

But warming could also open up new business opportunities. There could be new crops because of longer growing seasons, new industries such as production of biofuels, and new jobs in solar, wind power and emission reduction.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Aaron Weinstock uses an x-ray machine toy inside the Imagine Children Museum on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Imagine Children’s Museum $250k grant reinstated following federal court order

The federal grant supports a program that brings free science lessons to children throughout rural Snohomish County.

Snohomish County 911 Executive Director Kurt Mills talks about the improvements made in the new call center space during a tour of the building on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
New 911 center in Everett built to survive disaster

The $67.5 million facility brings all emergency staff under one roof with seismic upgrades, wellness features and space to expand.

Everett
Five arrested in connection with Everett toddler’s 2024 overdose death

More than a year after 13-month-old died, Everett police make arrests in overdose case.

Madison Family Shelter Family Support Specialist Dan Blizard talks about one of the pallet homes on Monday, May 19, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Madison Family Shelter reopens after hiatus

The Pallet shelter village, formerly Faith Family Village, provides housing for up to eight families for 90 days.

Helion's 6th fusion prototype, Trenta, on display on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Helion celebrates smoother path to fusion energy site approval

Helion CEO applauds legislation signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson expected to streamline site selection process.

Everett Historic Theater owner Curtis Shriner inside the theater on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Historic Everett Theatre sale on horizon, future uncertain

With expected new ownership, events for July and August will be canceled. The schedule for the fall and beyond is unclear.

Driver survives guardrail running through car in Everett crash on I-5

Driver hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

Outside of the Madrona School on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Sewer district notifies Edmonds schools of intent to sue

The letter of intent alleges the school district has failed to address long-standing “water pollution issues” at Madrona K-8 School.

Everett
Man stabbed in face outside Everett IHOP, may lose eye

Police say the suspect fled in the victim’s car, leading officers on a 6-mile chase before his arrest.

People swim in the Yost Pool during Open Fitness and Lap Swim on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Feeling the heat in Snohomish County: How hot will it get where you live?

Everett is expected to hit low 80s with inland areas reaching near 90.

The Mukilteo Boulevard Homer on Monday, May 12, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Homer Hedge’: A Simpsons meme takes root in Everett — D’oh!

Homer has been lurking in the bushes on West Mukilteo Boulevard since 2023. Stop by for a selfie.

Pat Cronin and Jamie Lyon look over a zoning district map draft of Everett on display during an Everett Planning Department open house at Everett Station on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett to release final draft of comp plan

The city will release the draft of the planning document on May 30, staff said. It will likely go to a vote before the council in June.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.